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… and say: Abracadabra!

Once again, Arcor from QuickSilver fame has silently released a new plug-in for QuickSilver – and this time, it's Gestures.

Mouse Gesture can be used to trigger actions in a convenient (and, as it always is the case with Arcor's ideas, in a beautiful) way.

Set your QuickSilver into beta mode, download the newest "Abracadabra" plug-in, go to the triggers. Besides "Mouse" and "HotKey" you will now find a "Gesture" option. Choose this one. A drawer will open and present you with a grey field. Draw your desired gesture into this field – don't care about the white dot, nor the size of your gesture, it will be adapted automatically. Once you're okay with the gesture, visit the "Abracadabra" panel.

Here you'll find further options. While holding the modifier key, all your mouse movements will be interpreted as gestures. Choose a modifier key that doesn't interfere with your workflow – I chose Control, as I need Alt, Command and Shift most of the time in apps like FreeHand or InDesign. I actually have no idea what the Mouse Button option is supposed to do, I left it at none. The following colours will be used for the trail of stars your mouse will leave when drawing the gesture (I told you it looks great!). According to the current docs, it might be wise to set a sound, as the system might not work otherwise.

Now, you're all set. Do it with me: Press your defined modifier key. Move your mouse in the defined gesture over your screen. Say loud and clear: "Abracadabra" (your next-room office mate should be able to hear it). Release key.

Instant Magic!

Tagsoup: Abracadabra, Interaction Design, Interface, Mouse Gestures, Quicksilver